new member - cold start problem. Car not me.

[rivs]

Just signed up in the hope of gaining some insight into the Terrano II. Recently bought one as need a decent towing vehilce and 4x4. It has always takena while to fire up. But the recent cold weather has proved a real challenge. I have checked that power is etting to the low plugs and can hear the glow plug relay working. But still from cold takes quite a few attempts before it will fire. Whic is followed by quite a bit of black smoke from the exhasust. My thinking is 1 of the glow plugs might be defective. Does not look like a huge job to pull these after the intercooler is removed. But would appreciate any help / advice before I venture out into the cold to check.

Many thanks.